Phyllis Dianne Mellem

Phyllis Dianne Mellem, age 66 of Viroqua, died Monday September 16, 2019. Phyllis Dianne Mellem, age 66, died suddenly in a tragic car accident on September 16, 2019. She was born on March 2, 1953 in Viroqua, Wisconsin to Ruth & Clinton McClurg. Raised on the family farm just outside of Viroqua, Phyllis always loved being a "farm girl" and growing up in a farm family. Even to the end, she loved the farm and cherished the memories that we all shared together in that house and on that land over all the years that she lived. In 1973, she married Loren Mellem whom she shared lifes happy times and many trials with until 2009 when he passed away. Phyllis was a caretaker at heart and exhibited that passion as a devoted mother, sister, grandmother and aunt as she took care of so many others in their greatest time of need whether they were family or not. She was employed as a caregiver at Bethel Home and Maplewood Terrace in Viroqua for many years. Phyllis enjoyed her work immensely and poured into those under her care with her complete attention. It was not a secret that the residents there looked forward to every shift that she spent with them. Phyllis was a valued member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and served others tirelessly along with her friends in the Womens group of the ELCA. She also enjoyed gardening, which she learned and perfected alongside her mother at the farm. Phyllis had a very special purpose over her entire life and she was rarely seen without a happy word and an encouraging smile. Much of her energy and free time was spent enjoying life with her son Chad, his wife Heather, and their children Jake and Miranda. She also had a very special bond with her companion friend Bill Kyser over the past 4 years. Of all the things that she did well in her life, nothing was more evident than her selfless ability to love them and be the best grandmother that one could ever imagine. She had a great capacity to love and that was not lost on anyone she met. Phyllis was loved by many and will be greatly missed by those who loved her most. Phyllis is survived by; her son Chad (Heather Rae Johnson) Mellem, her grandson Jake Tucker Mellem and step-granddaughter Miranda Johnson. Also surviving are her sister Joyce (Kurt) Hauge and sister-in-law Ruth McClurg as well as special friend and companion Bill Kyser; nephew Jason Rickman and nieces Nichol Davey and Dachia Abt along with their families. She was preceded in death by; her husband Loren, her parents, and her brothers Conrad W. McClurg and Larry W. McClurg. Funeral services for Phyllis will be Friday September 27, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 504 S. Main St. in Viroqua. Pastor Yvonne Marshall will officiate, with burial following the service at Viroqua Cemetery. Friends may call during Visitations on Thursday September 26, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, or on Friday the 27th at the Church from 10 to 11 before the service. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials should be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or to Bethel Home and Services, in Phyllis name. To leave on-line condolences go to www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker (Hwy 56W), in Viroqua is serving Phyllis family.